Guide to Everyday Carry Knives — EDC Knife Shapes and Knife Grinds

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What is an Everyday Carry Knife?

An EDC knife is a type of knife that is designed for everyday carry (EDC). These knives are typically small and lightweight, and they have a variety of different blade shapes. The most common EDC knives are the drop point, clip point, spear point and sheepsfoot (more on knife shapes below).

EDC knives are designed for a variety of different tasks, such as opening boxes, cutting rope, or self-defense. However, these knives can also be used for more mundane tasks like opening a letter or slicing an apple. No matter what you use it for, an EDC knife is a handy tool to have with you at all times. While there are many different types of knives out there, the majority of people prefer to carry a small EDC knife (tool) that can be used for a variety of different tasks.

Knives have been around for centuries, with the first known examples dating back to the Stone Age. Since then, they have been an essential tool for both survival and everyday life.

Types of Everyday Carry Knives

There are two main types of knives that can be used for everyday carry — the folding knife and the fixed blade knife. The most common EDC knife is the folding knife, which can be easily carried in a pocket or on a belt. Pocket knives have been around for centuries and are still one of the most popular types of knives today. There are many different types and styles of pocket knives, but they all have one thing in common – they’re small enough to fit in your pocket!

Pocket knives are also extremely versatile and can be used for everything from opening boxes to cutting rope. They’re also great for self-defense, as they can be easily concealed and quickly deployed. Whether you’re looking for a simple EDC (every day carry) knife or something more specialized, a pocket knife out is undoubtedly the perfect choice for your lifestyle.

The fixed blade knife is the most sturdy and durable type of EDC knife. It is typically made with a full tang construction, meaning that the blade extends all the way to the end of the handle. This makes for a very strong knife that can withstand heavy use. Fixed blade knives are also easier to clean and maintain than folding knives.

Other types of EDC knives include neck knives and multi-tools. Neck knives, as the name implies, are designed to be worn around the neck on a cord or chain. They are usually small fixed blades with a simple design that are typically worn around the neck on a lanyard or chain. They’re easy to access and can be used for a variety of tasks, making them a great addition to your everyday carry. Multi-tools, on the other hand, are larger tools that come with a variety of blades and functions built in, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, and more. While they’re not as easy to carry as a neck knife, they can be invaluable in a pinch and can be useful for camping or wilderness survival.

Why Carry an EDC Knife?

In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to be prepared for anything. That’s why carrying an EDC knife is a smart idea. Here are three reasons why:

  1. An EDC knife can be used for self-defense. If you are ever attacked, an EDC knife can be a good tool to have on hand. The Small Self-Defense Knife is a great example of an everyday carry knife that has a non-offensive appearance but can still be used for self-defense if needed.
  2. An EDC knife can be used for everyday tasks like opening boxes and cutting rope. An EDC knife can be used for everyday tasks. An EDC knife is a great item to have in your toolkit. Whether you’re going out camping, heading to the beach or just running some errands around town, an EDC knife can help with common everyday tasks.
  3. An EDC knife is a great way to be prepared for any situation. An EDC knife is a great way to be prepared for any situation. A good EDC knife can be a great addition to your everyday carry items like a watch. By carrying an EDC knife, you’ll always have the means at hand to cut or open something that you need in a pinch.

So, why not carry an EDC knife. It could just save your life one day!

How to Choose the Right EDC Knife

Your everyday carry knife is a reflection of your personality and needs. It should be tough enough to handle whatever you throw at it, but also light and small enough that you don’t mind carrying it around with you everywhere. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right EDC knife for you.

First, think about the size and weight of the knife. You want something that’s easy to carry, but also big enough to handle any tasks you might need it for. You also want to consider the grip. You want a knife with a comfortable grip so that you can use it for long periods of time without being painful or annoying. Also, think about the blade length and style and what tasks you might be doing with your knife. And don’t forget the handle. handle, anything from a simple plastic grip, an all-metal handle or even wood or stag. Stainless steel handles are durable and look great, but they’re also heavy.

Second, consider the blade shape. The most popular blade shapes for EDC knives are drop point, clip point and spear point, but there are other options out there as well. A knife is only as good as its blade, and the shape of the blade is what determines how well it will perform its intended function. The most common blade shape — the drop point — is versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. The clip point, another popular option, is ideal for slicing and piercing while the spear point is perfect for thrusting and stabbing, while the trailing point is great for skinning and gutting.

Third, choose a material for your knife that’s durable and easy to care for. Stainless steel is a good option, but there are other materials that might suit your needs better.

Fourth, decide how you want your knife to open or lock. Locking mechanisms are a vital part of any knife, and there are several different types that are each suited for different tasks. For example, slip-joint knives have no locking mechanism and are opened manually while the blades of a hunting knife are sturdier than those of a pocket knife, which is why they are typically used for tasks that involve more strength.

Locking Mechanisms

  • Slipjoint knives are the most traditional type of folding knife, and they have been around for centuries. These knives typically have a simple blade that folds into the handle, and they are held together by a spring.
  • Linerlock knives are similar to slipjoint knives, but they have a locking mechanism that keeps the blade in place. Liner locks are the most common type of lock found on folding knives. They are strong and relatively easy to use, but can be difficult to disengage with one hand.
  • Framelock knives are also similar to slipjoint knives, but they have a frame that locks the blade in place and have the added benefit of being easier to disengage with one hand. However, they are not as strong as liner locks and can be more difficult to use.
  • Back locks are the strongest type of lock, but can be difficult to disengage with one hand. They are also more difficult to use than both liner and frame locks.
  • Modern Locking Mechanisms – There are three main types of locking mechanisms for knives: button lock, axis lock, and ring lock.
  • Button locks are the most common type of locking mechanism. They work by a button that protrudes from the side of the handle when the blade is open. To close the blade, you press the button, which releases the blade.
  • Axis locks are similar to button locks, but instead of a button, there is a bar that runs along the length of the handle. To open the blade, you slide the bar forward. To close the blade, you slide the bar back.
  • Ring locks are less common than button or axis locks. They work by a ring that is attached to the back of the handle. To open the blade, you pull on the ring. To close the blade, you push on the ring.

Finally, remember to think about the accessories that come with your knife. Things like a pocket clip and a lanyard hole can make carrying your EDC knife around easier.

Knife Blade Shapes

There are many different types of knives available on the market, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a small knife to carry with you every day, or a larger knife for more heavy-duty tasks, there’s definitely one that will suit your needs. Consider these knife blade shapes when choosing your everyday carry knife.

Clip Point

A clip point knife is a type of knife with a clipped blade. Its name comes from the fact that the blade has a “clip” at the end. The clip can be straight or curved, but it is always shorter than the rest of the blade. This makes the clip point knife ideal for slicing and chopping, as well as for piercing and stabbing.

The clip point knife is one of the most popular types of knives on the market today. Its versatility and usefulness make it a must-have for any serious outdoorsman or hunter. Whether you’re looking for a survival knife, a hunting knife, or a EDC (every day carry) knife, the clip point is sure to meet your needs.

Drop Point

A drop point knife is a knife that simply has a dropped point, meaning the point of the blade is lower than the spine of the blade. This shapes makes the knife ideal for slicing and skinning. The drop point style is one of the most popular styles for hunting knives.

Drop point knives are easy to control and have a strong tip that can stand up to heavy use. The downside to the drop point style is that the tip is not as sharp as some other styles, making it less suitable for piercing or stabbing.

Tanto

The tanto knife is a popular choice for many outdoor enthusiasts. Its simple yet effective design makes it ideal for a variety of tasks, from slicing through vegetation to preparing game meat.

This versatile tool can be used for both self-defense and hunting purposes, making it a must-have for any serious outdoorsman. The tanto knife is also relatively easy to sharpen, which is an important consideration when choosing a blade.

Bowie

The Bowie knife is one of the most popular and well-known knives in the world. It was first created by James Black in the early 1800s for Jim Bowie, who was a famous frontiersman and adventurer. The Bowie knife has a long, curved blade that is perfect for slicing and chopping. It is also a great tool for self-defense. The Bowie knife is truly a versatile and essential piece of equipment for any outdoorsman or hunter.

Spear Point

A spear point knife is a type of knife with a sharp, pointed tip that is ideal for stabbing and puncturing. This type of knife is also known as a stiletto knife or a dagger. The blade of a spear point knife is typically thin and narrow, making it easy to maneuver and control.

Spear point knives are often used by military and law enforcement personnel for self-defense and close-quarters combat. The sharp, pointed tip of the blade can be used to penetrate clothing and flesh, making it an effective weapon in close-quarters situations.

While spear point knives are often associated with violence, they can also be used for more mundane tasks such as opening packages or cutting rope. In fact, many people who carry a spear point knife do so for its utility rather than its potential for violence.

Sheepsfoot

The sheepsfoot knife is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. Its unique shape makes it ideal for precision work, and its small size makes it perfect for maneuvering in tight spaces.

This knife is often used by sailors and fishermen for rigging and rope work. It can also be used for carving and other delicate tasks. The sheepsfoot knife is a great choice for anyone who needs a versatile and reliable tool.

Gut Hook

A gut hook knife is a specialized blade that makes it easy to open up a fish without the risk of cutting yourself. The gut hook works by allowing you to puncture the fish and then use the hook to cut it in half.

Wharncliffe

The the Wharncliffe blade shape is named after Lord Wharncliffe and was popularized in the early 1800s.

The Wharncliffe blade has a straight edge with a slight curve near the tip. This makes it great for slicing and piercing, and it’s also easy to control. Because of its unique shape, the Wharncliffe is not as common as other blade shapes like the drop point or clip point, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

Hawkbill

A hawkbill blade is a knife with a curved blade that resembles the beak of a hawk. This type of blade is designed for slicing and is often used in everyday carry knives. Hawkbill blades are usually made of stainless steel or carbon steel.

The main advantage of a hawkbill blade is its ability to slice through materials quickly and easily. This makes it ideal for cutting through rope, cloth, and other materials. Additionally, the curved shape of the blade helps to prevent accidental cuts when the knife is being carried in a pocket. There are some disadvantages to using a hawkbill blade, however. The most notable disadvantage is that the blade can be difficult to sharpen. Additionally, the sharp point of the blade can make it more difficult to control than other types of blades.

Straight Back

This type of blade is great for everyday carry because it’s versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks. It is straight from the handle to the tip, and it is a very versatile tool. This versatility is one reason that it is so popular — it can be used for everything from opening boxes to cutting through rope. And, because the blade is straight, it can be used for precision tasks like carving wood or cleaning fish.

Another reason that people love carrying a straight back knife is because they are easy to sharpen. When the blade gets dull, all you need to do is run it along a sharpening stone a few times and it will be good as new.

Needle Point / Dagger

Needle point blades are thinner and sharper, making them great for slicing and piercing. While you may not need the needle point blade for every task that you do, it is definitely a valuable tool to have around. The dagger is simple and straightforward, with a sharp point and two cutting edges.

Spey Point

The Spey point is a type of drop point knife, but with a more curved blade. This style of blade is often found on hunting knives and fillet knives. The curve of the blade makes it ideal for slicing tasks. The belly of the blade can be used for skinning or gutting game animals.

Spey point knives are often shorter in overall length than other EDC knives. This makes them easier to carry and conceal.

Trailing Point

A trailing point knife is a type of knife with a blade that curves upward and has a sharp tip. This shape is ideal for slicing and skinning tasks. Trailing point knives are often used by hunters and fishermen. The trailing point knife got its name from the way the blade curves back up at the end (the “tail”). This design gives the knife extra cutting power for slicing and skinning tasks. The sharp, upswept tip is also good for puncturing and piercing.

Trailing point knives are popular with outdoorsmen like hunters and fishermen. They’re also a favorite among survivalists and bushcraft enthusiasts. If you need a versatile knife for everyday carry, a trailing point might be the right choice for you.

Kukri

The kukri knife is a curved Nepalese knife used as both a tool and a weapon. The distinctive shape of the blade has made it a popular choice for many people who carry knives for everyday use.

There are many different types of kukri knives, with blades that range in size from six to twelve inches. The most common type of kukri is the all-purpose kukri, which can be used for tasks such as chopping wood and clearing brush. The kukri is also popular among collectors of knives and swords since these weapons collectors also appreciate the history and culture associated with the kukri knife.

Pen Knife

A pen knife is a type of small knife that is designed for general utility and everyday carry. Pen knives typically have a blade length of 2-3 inches and a simple, slipjoint construction. These knives are often equipped with a variety of useful tools, such as a can opener, screwdriver, or corkscrew.

Pen knives are an essential piece of EDC gear for many people. They are small enough to be carried in a pocket or purse, yet offer enough utility to handle many common tasks. Whether you need to open a letter or package, tighten a screw, or pop open a bottle of wine, a pen knife will likely have you covered.

Harpoon

A harpoon shaped knife blade can be used for a variety of tasks, from opening boxes to self-defense, and is known for its strength and durability.

Different Types of Knife Grinds

Different types of knife grinds can be used for different purposes. The most common grinds are the full flat grind, the saber grind, and the hollow grind.

  • The full flat grind is the most common type of grind. It is created by grinding both sides of the blade evenly from the spine to the edge. This creates a very sharp edge and a durable blade.
  • The saber grind is less common than the full flat grind. It is created by grinding only one side of the blade from the spine to the edge. This creates a less durable blade but a sharper edge.
  • The hollow grind is created by grinding both sides of the blade from the spine to create a concave shape. This makes for a very sharp edge but a more fragile blade.

The V-Grind

A V-Grind is versatile and great for slicing, thanks to its sharp point and wide edge angle. It’s also easy to control, making it ideal for precision work. And because the grind is symmetrical, it’s easy to sharpen evenly on both sides.

The V-grind blade has a lot of advantages over other knife grinds. First, it’s incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from carving to slicing to self-defense. The v-grind is also very strong and durable and can take a lot of abuse and still keep its edge. is a simple, versatile and hardworking knife grind that can be used for a variety of tasks. V-grind blades are also easy to sharpen with just a few strokes of a sharpening stone.

The Flat Grind

The flat grind is a versatile blade grind that can be used for a variety of tasks and is a simple, versatile and hardworking knife grind. It is often used for general purpose knives as it can handle a variety of different materials. The flat grind is created by grinding the blade down from the spine to the edge, creating a flat primary bevel. This type of grind is also easy to sharpen, making it a good choice for everyday carry knives. The flat grind also allows the knife to be used for precision tasks such as slicing fruit or vegetables.

The Chisel Grind

A chisel ground knife is a type of knife with a blade that has been ground to create a sharp, angled edge. It is created by grinding the blade at an angle so that one side is sharper than the other. This makes it ideal for cutting through tough materials like wood or bone. This type of knife is often used for precision work, such as carving or detailed woodworking. Chisel ground knives can be difficult to sharpen, but the resulting edge is usually very sharp and durable.

The chisel grind is a very popular choice for EDC knives because it is so versatile. It can be used for everything from opening boxes to preparing food. And, if you need to use your knife in a self-defense situation, the chisel grind can be very effective. The chisel grind is strong, versatile, and can handle just about anything you throw at it.

The Convex Grind

A convex grind is a type of edge grind that tapers the blade from the spine to the cutting edge in a curve. This grind style is most often seen on axes and hatchets, but it can also be found knives. The main advantage of a convex grind is that it is very strong and durable.

A convex grind can be done by hand with a file or belt sander, but it is more commonly done with a CNC machine. The resulting blade has a very sharp edge that can be used for chopping, slicing, and other general-purpose tasks. However, the convex grind is not well suited for fine work such as carving or filleting fish.

The main disadvantage of a convex grind is that it is more difficult to sharpen than other types of knife blades and can be difficult to “touch up.”

The Hollow Grind

A hollow ground knife has a blade that is concave on both sides. The grind starts at the edge of the blade and extends about halfway up. The result is a thinner, sharper edge that is easier to control. Hollow ground knives are typically used for precision tasks like slicing vegetables or carving meat. They can also be used for general purpose tasks like opening boxes or cutting rope. While hollow ground knives are more expensive than other types of knives, they are worth the investment for anyone who wants a high-quality, versatile knife. When it comes to the best knife for the job, a hollow grind knife is hard to beat. Here’s why:

  • A hollow grind knife is extremely sharp. This means that it can easily handle any task you throw at it, whether it’s slicing through paper or carving wood.
  • Hollow grind knives are also very durable. They’re designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, so you can be sure that your knife will last for years to come.
  • Hollow grind knives are also incredibly easy to sharpen. That means that you won’t have to spend hours trying to get your knife back in shape after each use.
  • Finally, hollow grind knives just look cool.

Scandi Grind

The Scandi grind has a single bevel that extends from the spine of the blade all the way to the edge, resulting in a sharp, robust cutting edge.

The Scandi grind is popular among outdoor enthusiasts andbushcraft practitioners for its versatility and easy maintenance. The steep angle of the blade face also makes it ideal for carving and other detail-oriented work. Whether you’re looking for a do-it-all knife or a knife to complement your existing EDC gear, the Scandi grind is worth considering.

Saber Grind

The saber grind is a popular type of grind for an EDC knife. It is achieved by grinding the blade at an angle from the spine down to the edge. The result is a strong and durable edge that can handle a lot of abuse.

The saber grind is also a good choice for those who want a sharp blade that can be easily re-sharpened. The downside to this type of grind is that it can be difficult to sharpen in the field, so it’s not ideal for those who need their knife to be razor-sharp at all times.

Conclusion

It seems like we’ve never had so many knife makers and manufacturers to choose from, making so many awesome knives. So how do you find the right knife? The first thing to do is decide what you’ll be using your knife for, and then go from there. Once you have a good idea of what you need a knife for, start looking at the specific features that are important to your needs and desires. After all, you’ll have a knife for years and years, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs. But once you get that first knife, we’re sure you’ll catch the bug and want to buy another one, and then another one, and before long … you’re a knife junkie too!

When it comes to knife grinds, the best grind also depends on your intended use. If you’re looking for a versatile option that can handle most tasks, a saber or hybrid grind is a good choice. If you need a durable option for tough jobs, a flat grind is the way to go. And if you want a precision edge for delicate work, a chisel grind is the best option. Whatever your needs, there’s a grind that’s perfect for the job or task you need to accomplish.

Bottom line: Check out some inexpensive knives at yard sales or from online purveyors and do some “hands on” research to find the right knife (and grinds) that work for your lifestyle. Test them out. See what works, what you like, and what you don’t like. Then rinse and repeat to filter your criteria to find the best knife for you that will become an everyday carry.